RZ

Respect Zone is a non-profit organisation (under the French “law of 1901”), founded in 2012.

The association relies on the time and energy generously given by its workers and partners, and on donations and grants received. The French tax authorities have formally recognised that donations given to Respect Zone are deductible, and also RZ’s capacity to issue CERFA receipts (for tax deductions in France). Donors, whether natural or legal persons, are therefore encouraged to support Respect Zone financially in its educational campaign. The same goes for other countries where the association is established.

A French NGO?

Our goal is to promote respect on the internet. Respect Zone is a non-profit community initiative, with no political or religious affiliations, that offers a simple, ethical label to be used and displayed. The label is free to use, self-certifying, and accessible to all those who subscribe to the principle of respect on the internet, as well as to the Respect Zone Charter (available on the website); it is a positive label to show respect. Respect Zone offers a modern educational tool to fight against racism, anti-semitism, sexism, homophobia, the glorification of terrorism, the stigma of disabilities, and harassment. The association is a civil initiative founded in France which brings together members and partners from various backgrounds. The Respect Zone label has already been adopted by a large number of people – both children and adults – on profile pictures, by companies (including Free and Microsoft), law firms, the Paris Bar, and institutions or associations who want to clearly show their commitment to the Respect Charter, whilst also respecting the freedom of responsible expression.

WHAT WE DO

The label: The Respect Zone label encourages internet users to moderate their comments and so protects them against hate speech that pollutes online spaces and affects the most vulnerable among us. The Respect Zone label aims to lend its support to everyone — companies as well as individuals — in their personal efforts to keep their online exchanges peaceful, and to enhance their sense of respect. The Respect Zone label has already been adopted by a large number of people — both children and adults — in profile photos, by companies (including Free and Microsoft), law firms, the Paris Bar, and institutions or associations wishing to clearly show their commitment to the charter, whilst also respecting the freedom of responsible expression.

The Charter: every person or entity that adopts the Respect Zone label must comply with the Respect Zone charter: CHARTE-RESPECT-ZONE-FR

The Unicorn/vs haters campaign: Respect Zone’s latest success was a campaign raising awareness of cyber-discrimination and hate called ‘Unicorns vs. Haters’, which aimed to ridicule hate with different tools: – a plug-in, an anti-hate shield, logos installed on profiles by forums and websites that allow internet users to comment, and the production of two short videos that were shared on social media. Convincing webmasters to adopt RZ’s counter-speech function, we managed to reach 20,000 people.

Our tools can be used by:

Schools: 22 schools have been certified by Respect Zone and we have raised awareness at even more, thanks to Respect Zone’s partnership with the French Ministry of National Education. Respect Zone volunteers are committed to inventing solutions, taking action both in schools and online, and helping to combat the spread of hate and harassment in all its forms. We are developing a welcome booklet for schools, which is now 30 pages long. It lists the best practices of certified establishments. A growing number of institutions, companies and schools (+ 20 in France and Belgium) call on us each week.

Other related associations, notably the Respect Zone Alliance — a group of NGOs, associations, organizations or think tanks that share the same values and struggles. This alliance was created to share best practices and support each other in advancing our common cause, the fight against cyber violence. Its mission is therefore to unite all NGOs working for a better Internet.

Online platforms and blogs, including Facebook.

Lastly, Respect Zone regularly carries out campaigns to raise awareness of cyber violence: in February 2015, on Safer Internet Day, Respect Zone launched a communication campaign, ‘One minute of silence against cyberviolence’. Success was immediate as we generated several hundred press mentions.

Key words

RESPECT ZONE
A non-governmental organisation (non-profit association). Initiative for positive, non-violent communication, the prevention of harassment, discrimination, and the incitement of violence,on line and in public."​